Olga Cathers

It remained dry but overcast for the annual Apprentice Boys of Derry ‘Relief of Derry’ parade.

The events got underway this morning at 9.30am with a parade of the City Walls by the Parent Clubs and their bands.

The Apprentice Boys of Derry parade at The Diamond in Londonderry this morning.

The Mitchelburn Parent Club Apprentice Boys made a special presentation to the bandsmen of Black Skull Flute Band from Glasgow.

The presentation was to mark 25 years of leading the full parade for the Relief of Derry celebrations.

The other notable event marking this year’s celebration was the tribute paid by the Apprentice Boys to the members of The Hamilton Band, who are leading the parade instead of the Black Skulls, in honour of all those from Hamilton Flute Band who fought in WWI.

The entire band enlisted for the war and formed the core of the Regimental band, The Derries.

The morning included the traditional Act of Reflection at the Cenotaph in The Diamond and a religious service at St Columb’s Cathedral, before the traditional Siege Pageant at Carlisle Road, by the Crimson Players.

An estimated 30,000 to 40,000 Apprentice Boys and visitors are in the city for the colourful spectacle.